Valve Confirms SteamOS for ROG Ally

Valve's latest update to SteamOS 3.6.9 Beta, codenamed "Megafixer," released on August 8th, marks a pivotal moment for the platform's compatibility with third-party devices. This update, currently available in the Beta and Preview channels for the Steam Deck, introduces support for ROG Ally keys, a significant move by Valve to extend SteamOS functionality beyond its own hardware.

The "Megafixer" update is a comprehensive patch that addresses various fixes and improvements across SteamOS. However, the inclusion of extra support for the ROG Ally's keys stands out. The ROG Ally, a Windows-based handheld gaming device from ASUS, has now been acknowledged in Valve's patch notes for the first time. This development hints at Valve's broader vision for SteamOS, moving away from exclusivity to the Steam Deck and towards a more inclusive ecosystem.

Valve's commitment to expanding SteamOS to other devices has been a long-standing goal, as confirmed by Lawrence Yang, a designer at Valve, in a recent interview with The Verge. Yang stated, "The note about ROG Ally keys is related to third-party device support for SteamOS. The team is continuing to work on adding support for additional handhelds on SteamOS." This aligns with Valve's original vision for SteamOS as an open and adaptable gaming platform. While ASUS has not officially endorsed SteamOS for the ROG Ally, and Valve acknowledges that the operating system isn't ready for full deployment on non-Steam Deck hardware yet, this update is a crucial step forward. Yang emphasized Valve's "steady progress" towards this goal, indicating a serious intent to broaden the reach of SteamOS.

Prior to this update, the ROG Ally was limited to functioning merely as a controller when running Steam games. The addition of support for the ROG Ally's keys, such as the D-pad, analog sticks, and other buttons, means that SteamOS can now better recognize and map these inputs, enhancing the user experience within the Steam ecosystem. However, according to YouTuber NerdNest, the full potential of this feature has yet to be realized even after updating to the latest SteamOS beta.

This development could herald a significant shift in the handheld gaming landscape, potentially positioning SteamOS as a versatile operating system that can run on various devices. If Valve continues to expand SteamOS support, gamers might soon enjoy a more unified and enriched gaming experience across different handheld consoles. While the current update doesn't immediately transform the ROG Ally's functionality, it represents a critical step towards a more flexible and inclusive ecosystem for SteamOS.